Useful Links

Professional Bodies

Housing Benefit currently accounts for £20 Billion in Government expenditure and finances much of council and housing association rental income. £7 Billion of the cake is paid to private Rented Sector tenants. Various reports from the Audit and Accounts Commissions have highlighted the correlation between good and bad HB administration of rent arrears and actions for recovery of debt and property.

The scheme has become more regulated, and is heavily influenced by DWP Guidance, 'Good Practice' notes and repeated circulars. Councils, perhaps unsurprisingly, have struggled to keep pace with the changes and in these times of austerity council budgets are being slashed, with in-house and marketed training one of the biggest casualties. Administration of the scheme, in general, is much poorer, and has led to more delays, mistakes on interpretation of the rules and case-law. The injustice caused by this is leading to more and more appeals to newly formed First/Upper-tier tribunals, and, in some cases, referrals to Public Sector Ombudsman.

HB Advice & Advocacy provides, simple information and related advice, by phone and e-mail, training through professional bodies like Chartered Institute of Housing, Scottish Association of Landlords, representation during negotiations with councils, and advocacy before tribunals and Ombudsman. The services are nationwide, as the law relating to HB is exactly the same whether your based in Scotland, England or Wales. The scheme is also very similar to the one operated by the Northern Ireland Executive.